Illinois Entertainer August 2022 | Page 18

Remembering Cliff Johnson

Ciiff Johnson , circa 1979 Photo from Facebook

Cliff Johnson , who passed away in July , was arguably the godfather of Chicago power pop , and his benchmark song “ Stay in Time ” ( and album ( 1979 ) On , among others ) was a breath of fresh air , and a huge influence on thousands of Chicago musicians on the radio in the spring of 1980 . His bandmates in Off Broadway ( Mimi Betinis , Mick Rain , Mike Gorman , John Pazdan , Ken Harck and others ) were his support system who helped bring the best out of Johnson , who struggled with addiction and mental illness throughout his musical life . His triumph was finding ways to overcome those personal obstacles to carry on making his music . It wasn ’ t easy , but Cliff endured . Through his musical journey with Pezband , d ’ Tumbs , Off Broadway , The Johnsons , Black and Blonde , and The Raine , he showed the passion and creative spark that made him a musical hall of famer in the eyes Chicago music fans and critics .

Tributes on Facebook after Cliff ' s death were many , including longtime bandmate Mimi Betinis who wrote : " IN MEMORY OF CLIFF JOHNSON : an extraordinary multi-talented individual , a great vocalist , songwriter , and a guy with a wild sense of humor ." Singer / songwriter Ralph Covert wrote about the night he appeared on parallel stages at FitzGerald ' s with Cliff and was stunned to be asked to join the band on FitzGerald ’ s main stage , side-by side with his childhood hero . Covert wrote , " his friendship , talent , and energetic spirit are a legacy to aspire to . RIP , rock n roller , you done good and taught so many of us so much ."
It had been some time since we spoke to Cliff , but he was always honest about his challenges and his enthusiasm for Chicago music from his heyday and the modern era . He was also humbled by his place in Chicago music history . Rest in power , Cliff Johnson ; if there ' s an open jam in heaven , we know you ' re hosting it - front and center .
- John Vernon
18 illinoisentertainer . com august 2022